Digital transformation (DX) is rapidly reaching every village and hamlet across Dak Lak. Driving this momentum is the proactive mindset coupled with determination of local residents to embrace technology and take ownership of it.

Owning more than 6.5 hectares of coffee plantations, Mr. Nguyen An Son, founder of Ong Giao Coffee in Quang Phu Commune, recognised that traditional farming methods were no longer suitable and shifted towards a circular agriculture model. He invested in an automated drip irrigation system, significantly reducing production costs while preserving soil structure and improving cultivation efficiency. Moreover, he purchased coffee-processing equipment, leveraged social media as a marketing channel, enabling him to promote his products, develop sales channels independently and sell directly to consumers.

Nguyen An Son of Quang Phu Commune using a mobile application to control irrigation and fertiliser application for his crops.

In Dang Kang Commune, H'Loan Kpor, an Ede woman in her sixties from Cu Pam Village, is likewise creating an inspiring DX story. Motivated by her deep passion for preserving traditional Ede brocade weaving, she taught herself how to use a smartphone alongside social media to build online networks and promote handcrafted brocade garments. She has also proactively kept pace with market trends by blending traditional ethnic motifs into contemporary designs, thereby expanding her customer base while increasing orders.

Fueling ambitions for breakthrough growth

Positive shifts in public attitudes towards digital technology reflect years of sustained guidance and practical support from grassroots authorities. Comrade Nguyen Cong Van, Chairman of Quang Phu Commune People's Committee, said: “In recent years, the commune has actively coordinated training programmes enabling residents to access digital applications together with smart farming technologies while guiding them in using digital platforms for trade as well as administrative procedures. Going forward, we will continue working closely with telecommunications enterprises to strengthen on-site technical support, help local people optimise production, raise incomes and preserve traditional cultural identity”.

Residents' growing willingness to embrace technology has become a important driver of local economic growth. In 2025, the digital economy contributed 7.67% of Dak Lak's GRDP, with particularly strong performance in digital agriculture, especially coffee, pepper, durian and aquaculture through adoption of IoT, product traceability along with e-commerce alongside digital tourism.

H'Loan Kpor of Dang Kang Commune taking product photos and creating digital content to market her products across online platforms.

To achieve its target of raising the digital economy's share of GRDP to 14% by 2026 and 30% by 2030, Dak Lak is accelerating preparation of its Digital Economy Development Project for 2026-2030, with a long-term vision extending towards 2045.

Highlighting this strategy, comrade Do Huu Huy, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee and Dak Lak PPC Chairman, said the province will prioritise development of both the digital economy coupled with digital society by expanding AI applications, open data, e-commerce, smart tourism, digital healthcare and digital education. It will also promote cashless payment solutions, further expand e-commerce, while showcasing Dak Lak's signature agricultural products combined with tourism offerings across domestic and international markets. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving digital literacy for all citizens, strengthening community engagement through the "Digital Literacy for All" movement, alongside developing a highly skilled workforce.

Translated by HAI LOAN